I don't know what strings i should be using. suggestions?

[crazyodog19]

I play in a metal band that uses drop B tuning. I use a Musicman SUB 5 and tune it to B F# B E A. I currently have Ernie Ball Power Slinky (40-125) on my bass and to be quite honest i hate the way it sounds.

i don't know if this is because of the strings or the tuning. I've also tried other Ernie Ball Strings, GHS, and D'addario and none have made me happy. The tone I have a problem with is this really clicky(kind of like Fieldy but not even that good) sound that always seem to ruin whatever I'm playing. The tone i'd like have is more just a straight up bassy sound that would fill the low end but still have a decent punch when I slap every now and then.

This could also just be the pickups or maybe I'm not stringing it properly(I never know how much to cut when tuning in drop B cause I'm tuning the bass up hence the lighter gauge I tried using). Theres no issue with intonation or fret buzz though its simply clicky and too trebly.
If anyone has any advice or recommendations it'd be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Owen

[knuckle_head]

See if you can find a .090 4 string set and put a .135 single on bottom. It might be easier to come by a .095 4 string set, but a B string that balances well for a .095 F# would be .140 or so - might be tough to find as a single.

FWIW the drop B sets I recommend are;
.136 .092 .068 .049 .035

[crazyodog19]

Ok. Thank you very much I appreciate it. Getting a four string set and a separate b string sounds like a good idea. Any certain brand you'd recommend? I've found some rotosounds that have gauges close to that but I dont know very much about rotosounds to be honest.
Theres also a light set of DR HI-Beams that goes 30 50 70 90. as for the single string a company MTD Kingston seems to have a decent amount of b strings.

[knuckle_head]

I have a dog in this fight - I make and sell strings. So my first recommendation would, of course, be Circle K's.

But I think if you can put the gauges together then it becomes a matter of preferred flavor. I highly recommend the (roughly) .136/.092 or .135/.090 spread between the two lowest strings regardless of brand.

[crazyodog19]

if i were to buy circle k's could i get a set like that or buy a four string set then buy a separate string?

[knuckle_head]

There is a drop B set with the specific individual gauges I listed. No mix and match required.

[darkstorm]

Rotosounds are excellent choice imo. Though it does sound like something is making your bass overemphasize string clack sound. Could be too much maple in the body, overly trebly pups, running treble control to high, or even strings too close to the pups.

[crazyodog19]

thanks for the help guys. i just got my Circle K's in the mail today and they're awesome. I lowered my pup as well and i love the sound I'm getting. Thank you very much!

[knuckle_head]

Awesome!

Glad they work for ya!